but I have to quit a band I quite enjoy playing in.
I've been playing with a world music band since September of 09. The music is great, some originals and covers, we play reggae, samba and some afro/cuban influence type stuff, oh and some funk as well. As with most bands, there are some things to clean up as a unit, but over all not a bad gig..my problem is with the percussionist.
He's this this guy from Brazil with a lot of love and energy, problem is, he plays each song like it's an entire solo for him. He plays too loud and over the top - ALL THE TIME. He can't speak English very well. The other guys talk to him and try to coach him to try and be more subtle, bringing the volume down and not playing over the singer, and over all try to bring some musicality into the mix. He nods yes, but then it's always solo after solo, and the volume is quadruple forte with this guy.
We have all tried talking to him about this, but then the guys will say with him in the room that he is our secret weapon (I'm thinking cause he's Brazilian, the other guys think it gives us more credibility.) I've asked what they mean by that but I never get a clear cut answer.
After countless going no where rehearsals, gigs where somehow this cat gets in a 2-3 minute solo each song, gigs where we had to cut out songs cause this guy is soloing forever and used up time - I decided rather than criticize the band or this guy, it's best I step out. It's very apparent the rest of my band loves him - OH!! I forgot to mention, his new thing is stepping from behind his rig, standing next to our singer and dancing..last week he did the running man while playing his tumbadora!! I wish I was making this up.
I've talked to everyone, and him as well to no avail. I gave it my best since September 09, yeah, I just can't do it anymore...just had to vent to you guys.
I've been playing with a world music band since September of 09. The music is great, some originals and covers, we play reggae, samba and some afro/cuban influence type stuff, oh and some funk as well. As with most bands, there are some things to clean up as a unit, but over all not a bad gig..my problem is with the percussionist.
He's this this guy from Brazil with a lot of love and energy, problem is, he plays each song like it's an entire solo for him. He plays too loud and over the top - ALL THE TIME. He can't speak English very well. The other guys talk to him and try to coach him to try and be more subtle, bringing the volume down and not playing over the singer, and over all try to bring some musicality into the mix. He nods yes, but then it's always solo after solo, and the volume is quadruple forte with this guy.
We have all tried talking to him about this, but then the guys will say with him in the room that he is our secret weapon (I'm thinking cause he's Brazilian, the other guys think it gives us more credibility.) I've asked what they mean by that but I never get a clear cut answer.
After countless going no where rehearsals, gigs where somehow this cat gets in a 2-3 minute solo each song, gigs where we had to cut out songs cause this guy is soloing forever and used up time - I decided rather than criticize the band or this guy, it's best I step out. It's very apparent the rest of my band loves him - OH!! I forgot to mention, his new thing is stepping from behind his rig, standing next to our singer and dancing..last week he did the running man while playing his tumbadora!! I wish I was making this up.
I've talked to everyone, and him as well to no avail. I gave it my best since September 09, yeah, I just can't do it anymore...just had to vent to you guys.